WestK Presents: Performing Arts Season 2023–24

From June 2023, the new season of the Tea House Theatre’s regular original programme offers a new look at Cantonese opera and traditional Chinese music through an innovative framed story presentation.

The 90-minute performance follows the thoughts of a Cantonese opera actor, who travels through time and reimagines the future of his craft in a fast-changing, digitised world. The tale illustrates the richness and diversity of the art form through a highlight selection of familiar songs and instrumental music pieces, with Cantonese opera excerpts written by legendary librettist Tong Tik-sang and a new piece by acclaimed local actor-playwright Keith Lai.

Staged in the traditional setting of the Tea House Theatre and enhanced with state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, Magic Tea House 2.0 – Dreams of the Future is performed by our talented Tea House Rising Stars Troupe and directed by veteran icon of stage and screen Law Ka-ying and Naomi Chung.

Join us for a fun and engaging introduction to an age-old heritage art – perfect for the whole family and audiences of all backgrounds.

Artistic Team:
Artistic Curator and Director: Law Ka-ying
Producer, Playwright and Director: Naomi Chung^*
Performers: Tea House Rising Stars Troupe

^*Staff of West Kowloon Cultural District

Title Sponsor:

Adapted from Eugène Ionesco’s 1952 play Les Chaises, this experimental Kunqu production blends Chinese traditional theatre with Theatre of the Absurd, delivering both in a new guise.

Presented by the award-winning performers of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, The Chairs is an acclaimed minimalist production that asks us to reflect on the meaning of life, love, loneliness, and the world around us.

On a deserted island, an old man and an old woman set out chairs for a series of invisible guests. After greeting old friends, first loves, their children, and even the emperor, the arrival of a final, long-awaited guest forces them to realise that everything has been an illusion, and that their lives are part of an absurd dream.

This programme is produced and performed by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe , and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 . The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor. 

“The symbolic gestures of Chinese opera reflect the philosophy of Theatre of the Absurd in wonderfully unexpected ways.”
── Du Mingzhe, postgraduate student, Department of Theater Movie and Television, Nanjing University

“The actors display masterful voice skills and the performance feels lively and effortless.”
── Konstantin Raykin, Russian theatre artist

Title Sponsor:

Produced and performed by:

This year’s Black Box Chinese Opera Festival offers Hong Kong audiences a rare opportunity to enjoy a a distinctive regional genre famed for its comic plots and characters.

The Gaojia opera production Sister A Da is a quintessential comedy of errors. Played by an all-chou (comic role) cast, it presents an affectionate portrayal of an archetypal kind-hearted busybody – an ordinary woman with an extraordinary sense of justice.

Featuring Plum Blossom Award-winner Wu Jingjing – artistic director of Jin Liansheng – in the lead role, this abridged adaptation of one of the troupe’s acclaimed full-length productions celebrates the artistic traditions of Gaojia opera through a contemporary lens.

This programme is produced and performed by Jin Liansheng Gaojia Opera Troupe of Xiamen City, and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023. The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor.
 

Title Sponsor:

Produced and performed by:

The Xiqu Centre’s third experimental Cantonese opera production The Imperial Decree looks at how individual lives are shaped by predetermination and freewill.

Emperor’s brother Wu, Concubine Wen and Prince Dunhua are summoned to hear the ageing Emperor’s imperial decree. Believing they are soon to learn who will inherit the throne, a state of intrigue and infighting ensues – with each of them revealing their true colours as they battle for the seat of power.

Produced and directed by Naomi Chung, written, directed and performed by Keith Lai, Janet Wong, and Ng Lap-hei – the award-winning creative team behind Experimental Cantonese Opera Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation) and Wenguang Explores the Valley – The Imperial Decree combines traditional performance techniques with contemporary music and stage design.

The Imperial Decree marks the Xiqu Centre’s first cooperation with the Deaf community. Revised and adapted after the initial preview in 2022, the production features Deaf artist Jason Wong among the cast, and audio description and theatrical interpretation at the performance on 14 October. 

This programme is commissioned and produced by the Xiqu Centre, and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023. The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor.
 

Title Sponsor:

The Xiqu Centre’s second experimental Cantonese opera production combines traditional and new set pieces, digital backdrops and other modern theatre technology to illustrate the preservation and innovation of Cantonese opera in the modern era.

This programme is commissioned and produced by the Xiqu Centre, and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023. The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor.

Awards

• “Best Play (Contemporary Small Theatre–Xiqu category)” by Beijing New Arts and Culture Outstanding Theatre Showcase Series 2019
• “Best Performer (Contemporary Small Theatre–Xiqu category)” (Keith Lai) by Beijing New Arts and Culture Outstanding Theatre Showcase Series 2019
• “Honorary Credential Award” by Xiqu Opera Black Box Festival (Beijing) 2019

“A powerful performance, and a well-deserved Best Actor win for Keith Lai.”

── Pak Yiu-charn, Hong Kong theatre artist

“A clever blend of tradition and technology…Needless to say the actors’ hard work in portraying the characters.”

── Ms Ng Mei-ying, Cantonese opera veteran

Title Sponsor:

Blending traditional Cantonese opera techniques with contemporary stage and lighting design, this ground-breaking adaptation reimagines the last moments of a hero caught between reality and illusion.

The Xiqu Centre’s first commissioned work has received rave reviews for performances in various cities in Asia.

This programme is commissioned and produced by the Xiqu Centre, and presented as part of the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023. The Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2023 is presented by the Xiqu Centre, with the Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation as title sponsor.

Awards:

• “The 40 Most Influential Experimental Theatre in Contemporary China” by the 40th Anniversary of Experimental Theatre in China
• “Honorary Credential Award” by Xiqu Opera Black Box Festival (Beijing) 2018, 2019
• “2017 Best Experimental Xiqu” by China (Beijing) Performing Arts Expo 2018

A level of artistry rarely seen in Hong Kong. Excellent plot, acting and singing.

── Man Lai-fung, Hong Kong Cantonese opera performer

 

A quality production that dazzles your eyes, touches your heart and captures your imagination.

── Wu Tong, Deputy Director of the Chinese Theatre Literature Association (Beijing, China)

 

Title Sponsor:

This September, local audiences can enjoy world-class pingtan performances in the elegant setting of Tea House Theatre.

Led by renowned pingtan artist Gao Bowen, the Shanghai Pingtan Troupe will stage two performances in Hong Kong, featuring a stellar line-up of top pingtan performers including Liu Min, Ni Yingchun, Luo Wenlian, Mao Xinlin and Zhu Yihe.

Marked by its minimalist stage design, pingtan is an ancient musical narrative art form that originated in south-eastern China. Performances typically feature a solo artist in traditional cheongsam, singing, acting and playing an instrument at the same time. Despite the pared-down setup, an expert performer can narrate and act out a vividly engrossing story that captures the audience’s imagination. The characteristic use of jiangnan dialects and humour gives pingtan a uniquely charming regional flavour.

For the 23 September (Saturday) performance, the troupe has handpicked a selection of favourites that perfectly represent 12 of the most influential pingtan styles. They are performed by artists who are deemed to be leading inheritors of each style. It is a great opportunity for the audience to sample and compare the distinctive characteristics of a wide array of styles in one sitting.

This programme is co-presented by the Xiqu Centre and Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas, with the Lao Feng Xiang 175th Anniversary as title sponsor.

Programme:

Hosts: Gao Bowen, Zhu Lin

Alongside “Pingtan Styles Showcase”, Shanghai Pingtan Troupe performs “The Best of Shanghai Pingtan Troupe” on the afternoon of 24 September (Sunday).

Co-presented by:

Title Sponsor:

This September, local audiences can enjoy world-class pingtan performances in the elegant setting of Tea House Theatre.

Led by renowned pingtan artist Gao Bowen, the Shanghai Pingtan Troupe will stage two performances in Hong Kong, featuring a stellar line-up of top pingtan performers including Liu Min, Ni Yingchun, Luo Wenlian, Mao Xinlin and Zhu Yihe.

Marked by its minimalist stage design, pingtan is an ancient musical narrative art form that originated in south-eastern China. Performances typically feature a solo artist in traditional cheongsam, singing, acting and playing an instrument at the same time. Despite the pared-down setup, an expert performer can narrate and act out a vividly engrossing story that captures the audience’s imagination. The characteristic use of jiangnan dialects and humour gives pingtan a uniquely charming regional flavour.

The 24 Septemer (Sunday) performance is a grand showcase of the troupe’s best-known hits, each one a traditional classic beloved by fans of the genre.

This programme is co-presented by the Xiqu Centre and Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas, with the Lao Feng Xiang 175th Anniversary as title sponsor.

Programme:

Hosts: Gao Bowen, Zhou Hui

Alongside “The Best of Shanghai Pingtan Troupe”, Shanghai Pingtan Troupe is also presenting “Pingtan Styles Showcase” on evening of 23 September (Saturday), with a focus on the distinctive characteristics of various pingtan styles.

Co-presented by:

Title Sponsor:

As a centre celebrating both cultural heritage and creative innovation, the Xiqu Centre presents free music performances in the Atrium by a diverse line-up of professional ensembles.

Our regular Chinese music series features styles including classical, folk and Chinese opera music, showcasing the versatility of traditional wind, string and percussion instruments.

Join us for a relaxing afternoon of Music in the Atrium! Stay tuned for more details.

Title Sponsor:

Convergence is the culmination of an interdisciplinary research study on Chinese dance and Chinese martial arts traditions. This is the first live performance of Convergence in Hong Kong after its inaugural performance, co-presented by Freespace and Hong Kong Dance Company, which was broadcast online in 2020, due to the pandemic. Convergence was awarded the Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Online Production in 2022.

In the three-year study, the artists explored the essence of these traditional practices, discovering new perspectives on movement and the fluidity of expression between ideology and physical gestures. In this synergy of dance and martial arts, the dancers bring these discoveries together, capturing the transience between stillness and motion, tranquillity and exuberance.

This programme is co-presented by WestK and Hong Kong Dance Company.

Director and Choreographer:
Yang Yuntao

Co-presented by:

HerStory is a contemporary dance extension of Nüshu (“women’s script”), the written language developed and used exclusively by women in Jiangyong county, Hunan province, which has a four-hundred-year history.

Inspired by Nüshu and winner of two awards at the 2008 Hong Kong Dance Awards, HerStory is the final part of “Women’s Trilogy” created by renowned choreographer Helen Lai. She has updated the work by weaving in the writings of Xi Xi and Wong Bik-wan, two female authors from Hong Kong. The dance idiom is likened to writing in Chinese, from which emerge emotive personal stories of women and evoke collective memories.

This programme is co-presented by WestK and Hong Kong Dance Company.

Artistic Team:
Artistic Coordinator: Yang Yuntao
Choreographer: Helen Lai
Set Designer and Image Consultant: Charfi Hung
Lighting Designer: Yeung Tsz-yan
Sound Designer: Liang Tin-ning

Co-presented by:

Overview

A double bill of signature works by two Japanese contemporary dance artists

This November, the "HOTPOT East Asia Dance Platform" (HOTPOT) returns as part of the “City Contemporary Dance Festival” – celebrating regional artistic exchange with presentations by artists from East Asia regions. HOTPOT Japan showcases two performances by contemporary artists at Freespace: Da Dad Dada by Saori Hala and ZOU made from fume by Ikumi Kurosu.

Da Dad Dada is an autobiographical performance on the theme of absence. Conceived, designed and performed by Saori Hala, it delves into the artist’s connection with her absentee father, 1960s musical dance artist Ken Hara. ZOU made from fume is a dark and otherworldly piece choreographed, directed and performed by Ikumi Kurosu, founder of dance company BUSHMAN. The work explores the possibilities of the body in motion as it shifts between physicality and essence, and human and animal forms.

This programme is part of the “City Contemporary Dance Festival 2023” presented by City Contemporary Dance Company, with WestK as Festival Partner.

Artistic Team:
Da Dad Dada
Concept, Performance, Staged Objects, Music Composition and Video Design: Saori Hala
Voice-over: Ken Hara
Staged Objects: Mizuno Nakamura, Rion Onaya, Kouki Toi, Yuya Yoshizaki
Music Composition: Christophe Charles
Costume Design: Mika Tominaga
Stage Manager: Yoshiko Haraguchi
Lighting Design: Daichi Kutsumi
Sound Design: Norimasa Ushikawa
Video Technical Support: Takaki Sudo
Production Manager: Yuko Takeda

Video excerpt taken from the Japanese movie Asphalt Girl ©KADOKAWA (1964)

ZOU made from fume
Choreography, Direction and Performance: Ikumi Kurosu
Performance: Rikito Eguchi, Shou Itou, Shun Nakamura, Bausch Tezuka
Production Manager: Koujirou Yamamoto
Stage Manager: Yoshiko Haraguchi
Lighting Design: Daichi Kutsumi
Sound Design: Norimasa Ushikawa
Video Technical Support: Takaki Sudo
Sponsor and Cooperation Unit: AtZOO LLC

Presented by:

City Contemporary Dance Company is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

“HOTPOT East Asia Dance Platform” Partners:

Festival Partner:

Overview

“City Contemporary Dance Festival 2023” opens with the premiere of acclaimed choreographer Sang Jijia’s latest work – a reflective exploration of nature and human emotion

Sang Jijia’s new work is a meditation on the nature of time, existence and human emotion. As dust rises and falls in the light – churning and billowing, floating and settling – the performers assemble and scatter, weaving a dance of cosmic cause and condition.

The premiere performance of Stream of Dust is performed by over 40 dancers, including CCDC Dance Artists and graduating students of the School of Dance at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). The work follows Sang’s acclaimed Meeting In-between Time. Sang Jijia is the multi-award-winning Resident Choreographer of CCDC.

Co-presented by WestK and City Contemporary Dance Company, Stream of Dust is the opening programme of “City Contemporary Dance Festival 2023”.

Artistic Team:
Choreography: Sang Jijia
Original Music: Dickson Dee
Dramaturgy: Janice Poon*
Scenography: Leo Cheung
Rehearsal Mistresses: Li Yong-jing*, Shirley Lok
Lighting Design: Lawmanray
Sound Design: Leung Po-wing*
Costume Design: Charfi Hung
Performance: CCDC Dance Artists#, Graduating students (2023-24 cohort) of the School of Dance, HKAPA

* With support and kind permission of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

# CCDC Dance Artists:
An Tzu-huan, Suyi Hon, Felix Ke, Natalie Ko, Eric Kwong, Genie Lok, Nini Wang, Brian Yam, Skye Yao, Simpson Yau, Tally Zhuang

^ Graduating students of the School of Dance, HKAPA:
Ki Ki Cai, Leanne Chan, Jade Chan, Vanessa Chan, Co Co Cheng, Kathy Cheung, Nicole Cheung, Ching Chu, Vicky Chu, Kitty Chui, Jon Henri Sagolili Ferrer, Christabella Georgiana, Kryspina Ho, Issie Ho, Angel Lai, Yandy Lai, Lau Yin, Michelle Law, Li Ka-lun, Stephanie Li, Cherry Lok, Serena Ng, Miki Sham, Anson Shi, Siu Yau, Alliah Xandra Reyes Torte, Chloe Wan, Wang Ting-en, Darell Yang, Yen Shao-hui, Ferrida Yip, Angel Yip, Sarah Zeng

Co-presented by:

City Contemporary Dance Company is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

In collaboration with:

In conjunction with the full stage performance of I am Tree, Artocrite Theater is holding a free pre-show book walk to give audiences a glimpse into the creative process behind the play.

Inspired by Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, I am Tree explores the fragile and complex relationships humans have with each other and nature. While working on the production, the artistic team also found parallels in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s deeply moving work The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, which records the Genevan philosopher's thoughts in the last two years of his life, including issues of morality and humans’ relationship with nature.

For this event, participants are invited to freely walk or rest on the Freespace Terrace, where actors will read excerpts from The Reveries of the Solitary Walker. Through the book walk, the artistic team encourages participants to contemplate on Rousseau's thought process and philosophical ideas ahead of the performance in December.

I am Tree is part of the WestK Creators series, with its research and development supported by WestK. This programme is also part of the “Vennaissance” project by Artocrite Theater.

Artistic Team:
Producer: Coco Tam
Director: Birdy Wong Ching-yan
Actors: Birdy Wong Ching-yan, Raymond Wan Wai-ching, Caleb Chan Chun-leong
Dramaturgy: Caleb Chan Chun-leong
Stage Manager: Bignose Ng
Assistant Stage Manager: Jimmy Ng Chun-wai

How to Participate:
The session is free of charge and open to the public. Please fill in this online application form by 19 September 2023 (Tuesday). Successful applicants will receive an email confirmation on or before 21 September 2023 (Thursday).

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About WestK Creators
WestK Creators celebrates contemporary Hong Kong artists working across a variety of performing arts disciplines, contexts and forms. Encouraging exchange and collaboration, the series showcases innovative original productions, and nurtures experimentation and new perspectives for the Hong Kong performing arts scene.

Curated and produced by the Contemporary Performance Team of West Kowloon Performing Arts Division, WestK Creators promotes diverse creative voices and aesthetics, supports new work development, and facilitates the creation process from concept to stage, through residencies, research and development opportunities and work-in-progress presentations.

About Venaissance
“Venaissance”, a portmanteau merging from two words: Vegetation and Renaissance, is the major programme series of Artocrite Theater. Introducing vegetation-inspired stories, the series explores the vulnerability of humans and the dilemmas in everyday life.  

Human and vegetation share a co-existence relationship in our daily lives. Numerous literatures and plays have used vegetation as a metaphor for humanity. Drawing inspiration from different plants and their distinct qualities, Artocrite Theater takes vegetation as the theme to question about human nature and our existence. 

Presenter:

Hong Kong Arts Development Council fully supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.

Co-presenter:

Project Grant
“Venaissance” is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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In times of trouble, what can we learn from each other’s experience, how can we gain wisdom and can we find love in the midst?

In January this year, award-winning screen veteran Elaine Jin and musical theatre stars Margaret Cheung and Jordan Cheng explored loss and longing through a game of mahjong in the work-in-progress presentation of Hard Times. After half a year of feedback collection and evaluation, the team is back with a full-scale presentation this September that looks at suffering in a humorous and bittersweet light.

Moving to a bigger venue in The Box, director Edward Lam once again creates a highly experimental work. With a greater focus on the music element, Lam has invited Harris Ho to join the production as music director and compose several new pieces. Together with video projection and live music, the team hopes to share with the audience an innovative form of theatre that combines singing and acting.

Using intangible cues on stage, the performers are encouraged to lay bare their innermost feelings and life experience. They learn from each other, complement each other, and create an "organic theatre work" that is ephemeral but enduring in our memories.

This programme is co-presented and co-produced by WestK and Edward Lam Dance Theatre.

Artistic Team:
Director: Edward Lam
Performers: Elaine Jin Yam-ling, Margaret Cheung, Jordan Cheng Kwan-chi
Music Director: Harris Ho
Dramaturg: Hsu Yen-mei
Creative Coordinator: Ho Ting-wai
Sound and Music Designer: Chung Chak-ming
Scenography: Jonathan Wong*
Lighting Designer: Au Yeung Hon-ki
Art Director and Image Designer: Kary Kwok
Video Director and Editor: Darwin Ng
Production Manager: Joyi Tsang

*Appearance by kind permission of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Key Visual Outfits: Brunello Cucinelli

Co-presented and Co-produced by:

After a hugely successful premiere in September 2022, the original Hong Kong production The Impossible Trial – a musical returns for a highly anticipated rerun at the Xiqu Centre this December.

Conceived, created and staged by an all-star local team, the riveting tale of redemption showcases music by Leon Ko, lyrics by Chris Shum, script by Cheung Fei Fan and direction by Fong Chun Kit. The rerun also features the stunning original cast, recently recognised at the Hong Kong Drama Awards.

With a unique set that blends traditional and contemporary aesthetics and highlights the skills of staging director Ivanhoe Lam and scenographer Wong Yat Kwan, The Impossible Trial – a musical is a Hong Kong production not to be missed.

The Impossible Trial – a musical received multiple awards at the 2023 Hong Kong Drama Awards, including Best Production, Best Director, Best Original Music (Musical) and Best Lyrics.

Early bird sales start in September.

This programme is commissioned by WestK, co-presented and co-produced by WestK and Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, with the Shun Hing Group 70th Anniversary as title sponsor.

Creative Team:
Composer and Musical Director: Leon Ko
Lyricist: Chris Shum
Playwright: Cheung Fei Fan
Director: Fong Chun Kit
Staging Director and Choreographer: Ivanhoe Lam
Scenographer: Wong Yat Kwan*
Co-choreographer: Lim Wei Wei
Band Leader: Anna Lo
Singing Coach: Lianna Tse
Set Designer: Bill Cheung
Costume Designer: Vanessa Suen Wing Kwan
Lighting Designer: Yeung Tsz Yan
Co-sound Designer: Can Ha, Ctrl Fre@k (Jeffrey Yue)
Cast: Lau Shau Ching, Jordan Cheng, Tunes Ting, Clinton Zhang, Rick Lau, Yau Ting Fai, Fung Chi Yau, Man Sui Hing, Kiki Cheung, ManMan Kwok, Vivian Chan, Adam Tang, Rick Cheung, Christopher Ying, Olga Chung, Eddy Au Yeung, Angus Chan, Dee To, Luk Ka Ki

*Appearance by kind permission of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
 

Title Sponsor:

Commissioned, Co-presented and Co-produced by:

Co-presented and Co-produced by:

After a captivating play-reading session earlier this year, the artistic team behind I am Tree has consolidated the experience and feedback to develop a full stage production that premieres in The Box this December.

Inspired by Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 International Booker Prize (formerly known as the Man Booker International Prize), Artocrite Theater’s Artistic Director Birdy Wong Ching-yan turns the novel into a play that tells the story of a woman’s turn to vegetarianism ending in a hunger strike and self-destruction. For the new presentation, the artistic team digs deeper into the fragile and complex human relationships in contemporary society and juxtaposes them with the resilience of plants in surviving and overcoming adverse conditions. In doing so, the team challenges the audience to rethink about how they treat other beings.

This programme is part of the WestK Creators series and the “Vennaissance” project by Artocrite Theater.

About WestK Creators

WestK Creators celebrates contemporary Hong Kong artists working across a variety of performing arts disciplines, contexts and forms. Encouraging exchange and collaboration, the series showcases innovative original productions, and nurtures experimentation and new perspectives for the Hong Kong performing arts scene.

Curated and produced by the Contemporary Performance Team of West Kowloon Performing Arts Division, WestK Creators promotes diverse creative voices and aesthetics, supports new work development, and facilitates the creation process from concept to stage, through residencies, research and development opportunities and work-in-progress presentations.

Artistic Team:

Inspired by The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Director and Playwright: Birdy Wong Ching-yan

Producer: Raymond Wan Wai-ching, Coco Tam

Presenter:

Hong Kong Arts Development Council fully supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.

Co-presenter:

Project Grant:
“Venaissance” is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Devised and created by Rooftop Productions and the young artists of HKAPA’s School of Drama, Songs of Innocence and Experience presents the stories of a group of young people coming of age in contemporary Hong Kong.

Taking its name from the work of William Blake, and inspiration from John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Areopagitica, Songs of Innocence and Experience deals with the eternal struggles of youth – between respecting authority and wanting freedom, and forging meaningful new pathways as emerging adults. Through a fragmented montage of theatre, live original music, pop culture references, camera play and projections from Blake’s illustrated versions of Paradise Lost, the production offers a humorous and poignant reflection on the hybridity of contemporary Hong Kong society, the drive and passions of youth, and individual explorations of self-identity.

First staged at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2022, the production has been developed and adapted for The Box. The new production features a revised script, original and new ensemble and band members, and enhanced scenography and projection design.

Songs of Innocence and Experience was nominated for Scenography of the Year and Director of the Year at the IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2023.

“Extraordinarily playful and passionate, bringing balance to the serious topic being dealt with” – William Chan, Art critic, International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong) website

“Telling stories of fallen angels, they make the audience consider their own relationships with power. I think it’s very successful” – Kuh Fei, Art critic, RTHK Arts News

This programme is co-presented and co-produced by WestK and Rooftop Productions, and is part of the WestK Creators series.

About WestK Creators
WestK Creators celebrates contemporary Hong Kong artists working across a variety of performing arts disciplines, contexts and forms. Encouraging exchange and collaboration, the series showcases innovative original productions, and nurtures experimentation and new perspectives for the Hong Kong performing arts scene.

Curated and produced by the Contemporary Performance Team of West Kowloon Performing Arts Division, WestK Creators promotes diverse creative voices and aesthetics, supports new work development, and facilitates the creation process from concept to stage, through residencies, research and development opportunities and work-in-progress presentations.

Co-presented and Co-produced by: